Former Maine Attorney General William Schneider was only out of a state job for a few hours.

AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) _ The Republican, replaced Monday by the Democratically-controlled state Legislature, was named later in the day by Republican Gov. Paul LePage as deputy director of the Governor's Office of Policy and Management.

The agency's job is to review and advise on state agency budgets, streamline operations, and evaluate economic policy.

In his new position, Schneider will help identify and implement improvements to state government operations and services and facilitate intergovernmental coordination.

Schneider said in a statement that he is "honored" by the opportunity to continue serving the state.

The 53-year-old Durham resident is a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy and the University of Maine Law School, and is a retired Green Beret.